Sheriff: Child taken from mother's arms outside Chesterfield County home found dead nearby

by TONYA BROWN, WPDE

HARLEE LANE LEWIS - Photo released by SLED - MGN ONLINE BACKROUND.jpg

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — A baby girl was found dead after being abducted from her mother's arms outside a home off of Jackson Road in Chesterfield County, according to the Chesterfield County Sheriff Jay Brooks.

Brooks said the baby was taken after the woman says she walked to her mailbox with the child in her arms. The woman told police a man pulled up in a gold or tan SUV and hit her in the head multiple times, almost knocking her out, before taking the baby from her and leaving in the SUV.

Deputies responding to the scene found the body of the infant hidden inside a diaper box about 1,000 yards from the home, according to Brooks.

The victim told police she had never seen the man who assaulted her before.

He was last seen wearing a gray toboggan hat, which was covering his face, a long black rain jacket and one black glove, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

An Amber Alert was issued for the child, identified as 11-month-old Harlee Lane Lewis, before she was found dead.

Brooks said they believe an extended relative of the child from Laurinburg may be involved in this incident. SLED's release says the man might be heading towards North Carolina.

Brooks said SLED and the FBI are assisting in the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office at (843) 623-2101 or 911.